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via f1oversteer.comFormer McLaren man admits ‘no-one in the team’ thought Lewis Hamilton was ‘that special’ at firstIn 2007, Lewis Hamilton made his Formula 1 debut with McLaren, showcasing remarkable talent that led him to finish just one point behind champion Kimi Raikkonen. Despite his impressive performance, including four race wins and 12 podiums, former McLaren reserve driver Pedro de la Rosa revealed that initially, no one in the team believed Hamilton was as exceptional as he turned out to be. De la Rosa claimed he was the first to recognize Hamilton's potential, while others underestimated him, particularly in comparison to teammate Fernando Alonso.
The article highlights the challenges Hamilton faced during his rookie season, including a significant mistake in the rain during the Chinese Grand Prix and a mechanical failure in Brazil, which ultimately cost him the championship. Despite these setbacks, Hamilton's performance earned him recognition and respect, solidifying his status as a generational talent in the sport. The insights from de la Rosa and Briatore emphasize the initial skepticism within McLaren regarding Hamilton's abilities, which would later be proven wrong as he became one of the most successful drivers in F1 history.
Sun 20 Sep · 13:30 UTC
via RacingNews365Lewis Hamilton shares insight into dramatic McLaren contract disasterLewis Hamilton shared his experiences from a difficult time in his early career when he lost a contract with McLaren. Initially signed to their junior program, Hamilton expressed his eagerness to move into Formula 1 but faced setbacks when McLaren ended their association with him in 2005. Despite this, he managed to regain his footing by winning races in Formula 3, which led to him securing his contract back with the team.
In 2006, Hamilton had a successful season in GP2, winning the championship, which paved the way for his debut with McLaren in 2007 alongside Fernando Alonso. Hamilton's career took off rapidly, culminating in winning the F1 championship in 2008, just his second season in the sport. He continued to race for McLaren until he transitioned to Mercedes in 2013.
Sun 20 Sep · 11:50 UTC
via PlanetF1Honda raises concerns over FIA engine interventionHonda has expressed concerns following comments from FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem regarding potential further assistance for Formula 1 engines. Toto Wolff of Mercedes has supported the idea of FIA intervention, stating that teams require additional help.
+ 2 moreSun 20 Sep · 10:52 UTC
via Formula1.comRemembering one of F1’s most intriguing ‘what if?’ momentsIn the late 1980s and early 1990s, McLaren achieved remarkable success in Formula 1, clinching four consecutive Teams' Championships and Drivers' Championships with Honda as their engine partner. This period is often regarded as one of the most successful in the team's history, showcasing their dominance on the track.
However, this era of stability was followed by significant changes and challenges. By the end of 1992, Honda decided to withdraw from Formula 1, citing financial pressures. This marked the beginning of a less successful phase for McLaren, as they struggled to maintain their previous level of performance.
Sun 20 Sep · 09:05 UTC
via RacingNews365Fernando Alonso reiterates Honda trust desipte 2026 painFernando Alonso has reaffirmed his trust in Honda's Formula 1 project, despite a difficult start to the season for Aston Martin, which has partnered with Honda. Alonso believes that Honda possesses the necessary infrastructure and personnel to succeed, having previously won a championship with Red Bull before leaving F1 at the end of 2021.
Currently, Aston Martin is struggling, having scored only three points and often finding itself at the bottom of the timesheets. Alonso has not yet decided on his future in F1, indicating that his enjoyment of the regulations will influence his decision. He expressed a desire to see improvements in the team's performance within two to three years, rather than the longer timelines experienced in the past.Sun 20 Sep · 09:05 UTC
via Motorsport.comDavid Coulthard urges FIA to speed up safety car decisionsDavid Coulthard has expressed concerns regarding the FIA's speed in making decisions to neutralize Formula 1 races, particularly after the recent Spanish Grand Prix. He noted that Lando Norris lost a likely victory due to the timing of the virtual safety car deployment, which allowed Kimi Antonelli to pit at a strategic moment. Coulthard emphasized that the time taken to respond to incidents can significantly impact race outcomes and suggested that improvements are necessary.
During a podcast discussion, Coulthard elaborated on the inherent unpredictability of safety car situations, stating that they can unfairly affect race results. He called for a more efficient process in decision-making, especially in clear-cut situations like major accidents. The former driver believes that quicker responses could help mitigate the luck factor in racing outcomes, ensuring a fairer competition for all drivers.
Sun 20 Sep · 09:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comMcLaren engineers think they have fix for one key ‘weakness’ of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri’s carMcLaren is preparing to introduce significant upgrades for the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, focusing on enhancing the performance of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri's MCL40 car. These upgrades include a new underbody and a modified version of their Macarena rear wing, aimed at improving the car's aerodynamics, particularly in slow-speed corners where the team has identified weaknesses. The decision on which rear wing to use will be made after practice sessions in Baku.
The upgrades come after a challenging 2025 Azerbaijan GP for both drivers, where Piastri faced multiple issues, including a crash and a poor start. Despite these setbacks, McLaren's engineers are optimistic that the new aerodynamic package will allow Norris and Piastri to compete for pole position. Recent performances have shown that the MCL40 is competitive in medium-speed turns, and the team is looking to build on this momentum as they head into the race weekend.Sat 19 Sep · 20:00 UTC
via PlanetF1Mercedes confirms W17 upgrade for Bahrain Grand PrixMercedes has announced that its next major upgrade for the W17 will be deployed at the Bahrain Grand Prix. Trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin stated that the team is aiming to enhance its performance and regain competitiveness in the 2026 season.+ 3 moreSat 19 Sep · 10:27 UTC
via Formula1.comHow Justin Rose and McLaren are pursuing marginal gains in golfJustin Rose has embraced his role as the first global ambassador for McLaren Golf, a partnership that aims to bring the precision and performance ethos of Formula 1 to the sport of golf. At the BMW PGA Championship, he reflected on his experiences testing prototype irons developed in collaboration with McLaren's engineering team, highlighting the potential for innovation in golf equipment. Rose's goal is to convert his near-misses in major tournaments into victories by leveraging the meticulous approach of F1.
The launch of McLaren Golf has garnered attention in both the golf and F1 communities, with Rose actively participating in events and showcasing the new clubs. The partnership is not only about the current products but also about future developments, including drivers and woods that will incorporate advanced engineering techniques. Rose's connection to McLaren has been well received by fans, and he expresses a deep respect for the skills of F1 drivers, emphasizing the unique challenges and precision required in both sports.Sat 19 Sep · 09:43 UTC
via RacingNews365Lando Norris secures pole position at Spanish Grand PrixLando Norris achieved pole position during the qualifying session for the Spanish Grand Prix, impressively clinching the top spot in the final moments of Q3. McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella commended Norris for his performance amid a challenging weekend.+ 1 moreSat 19 Sep · 06:10 UTC
via Formula1.comHow 46 fashion designers reimagined McLaren’s F1 historyOn September 18, 2026, McLaren hosted its inaugural fashion show at the McLaren Technology Centre, showcasing a collection designed by 46 MA fashion students from Central Saint Martins. The event, titled 'Designed to Race: Front Row', featured 12 unique looks inspired by McLaren's rich history in Formula 1, drawing references from iconic figures like James Hunt and Ayrton Senna. The collection was structured into five thematic chapters, each exploring different aspects of McLaren's legacy and the evolution of racing culture.
The students worked collaboratively over nine months, interpreting McLaren's history through fashion while incorporating elements of engineering and performance. The show emphasized sustainability through upcycling, utilizing second-hand materials and old racing equipment. By blending fashion with motorsport, McLaren aimed to highlight the similarities between the two fields, showcasing creativity and innovation at their core.Fri 18 Sep · 16:26 UTC
via Motorsport.comRosberg suggests VSC rule change after Norris' complaintNico Rosberg has proposed significant changes to the virtual safety car rules in Formula 1. His suggestions come after Lando Norris expressed concerns about the fairness of the VSC during the recent Spanish Grand Prix.+ 1 moreThu 17 Sep · 15:57 UTC
via RacingNews365Lando Norris earns praise despite title hopes fadingLando Norris has received commendations for his strong performances this season, despite his fading chances in the championship. Analysts suggest that both Norris and his McLaren team should be taken seriously as they continue to impress on the track.+ 1 moreThu 17 Sep · 08:10 UTC
via RacingNews365Ferrari announces Rakuten partnership from 2027Ferrari has announced a new title sponsorship deal set to begin in the 2027 Formula 1 season. The brand was previously considered for a sponsorship agreement with McLaren.+ 2 moreThu 17 Sep · 07:15 UTC
via PlanetF1Alonso requests Aston Martin review over ‘very bad’ Honda issues at Spanish GPFernando Alonso has called for an investigation into the Honda engine performance following a disappointing race at the Spanish Grand Prix, where he finished in 17th place. He reported significant issues with the engine, particularly with boost control, which hindered his performance and caused him to lose time during the race.
Meanwhile, his teammate Lance Stroll also faced difficulties, retiring from the race due to a brake pedal issue after sustaining damage from debris. Stroll's struggles contributed to Aston Martin's ongoing challenges this season, as they currently sit in 10th place in the Constructors' standings with only three points.Thu 17 Sep · 04:59 UTC
via f1technical.netWhy did Norris head to Portimao from Madrid?Lando Norris swapped his McLaren Formula 1 car for the team’s new MCL-HY Hypercar as he completed his first full test of the car at the Algarve International Circuit in Portimão.
Wed 16 Sep · 20:00 UTC
via gpfans.comMcLaren tease Lando Norris Le Mans bid as F1 champion tests insane new hypercarLando Norris recently tested McLaren's new hypercar as part of the team's preparations for the World Endurance Championship in 2027. Following a disappointing finish at the Spanish Grand Prix, Norris participated in a private test at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, where he completed 38 laps and provided valuable feedback to the team.
McLaren has announced its intention to return to the Hypercar category, targeting the prestigious triple crown of motorsport. Norris has shown interest in racing at Le Mans, and with the 2027 F1 calendar not conflicting with the Le Mans schedule, there is potential for him to participate in future events.
Wed 16 Sep · 14:27 UTC
via Motorsport WeekToto Wolff supports changes to F1 ADUO regulationsMercedes team principal Toto Wolff has expressed support for potential changes to Formula 1's ADUO regulations to assist Honda's competitiveness. His comments follow discussions involving FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem and driver Fernando Alonso.
+ 2 moreWed 16 Sep · 12:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comNico Rosberg warns Kimi Antonelli of title pressureNico Rosberg has cautioned Kimi Antonelli that he could feel increasing pressure in his pursuit of the 2026 Formula 1 championship. Rosberg noted that upgrades from McLaren and Ferrari might challenge Antonelli's current dominance, which includes eight victories this season.+ 1 moreWed 16 Sep · 11:00 UTC
via grandprix.comMcLaren aims to help Piastri regain competitive edgeAndrea Stella stated that McLaren has a clear agenda to help Oscar Piastri unlock his potential as he adjusts to the 2026 car. Stella noted that improving Piastri's qualifying and execution is essential for him to close the performance gap to his teammate Lando Norris.Page 4 of 25
